Coyote's Diet

Coyotes live in every state in the United States except for Hawaii and can make this claim in part because of their varied diet. Coyotes can and will eat almost anything, but like other species have certain preferences when it comes to their meals.

Smaller Mammals

Small mammals such as chipmunks, rabbits, gophers, voles and ground squirrels comprise much of a coyote's diet.

Other Food

Coyotes will also eat birds, snakes, lizards, insects, toads and frogs it if can capture them and other food is scarce. Coyotes will also kill and eat small dogs, cats and other domestic animals such as sheep and goats if the opportunity and the need arises.

Larger Prey

Coyotes will join forces to pursue and kill larger prey such as adult deer. In the winter, the carcasses of large game species such as deer and elk are an important part of a coyote's diet.

Fawns

Fawns are vulnerable to coyotes.

Studies have shown that a coyote's diet in June and July often consists of whitetail deer fawns in much of its range, according to the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources.

Fun Fact

In the Desert Southwest, the coyote will consume a gourd called the coyote melon, which tastes horrible to people but provide the coyote with moisture. It will also eat the fruit of the prickly pear cactus.

References

• Desert USA:Coyote
• West Virginia Department of Natural Resources:Coyote
• "National Audubon Society Field Guide to Mammals"; John Whitaker, Jr; 2008